Better Than This

[Verse 1]
You pour your heart in paper cups
They drink it down
They call it love
You laugh it off
You say you're fine
But I see the crack behind your smile
[Pre-Chorus]
I bite my tongue till it tastes like rust
‘Cause every word might cost us too much
[Chorus]
You deserve better than this
Better than almost
Better than missed
Better than promises that fade in his hands
You deserve someone who stays
Not someone drifting
Looking away
I know it's me
But I can’t be that man
Not yet
Not yet
You deserve better than this
[Verse 2]
We talk in circles on your couch
Eyes say things our mouths shut out
You trace the stitching on your sleeve
I trace the line where I should leave
[Pre-Chorus]
If I were braver
I’d wreck what you have
But loving you means wanting you glad
[Chorus]
You deserve better than this
Better than guessing
Better than wish
Better than stolen little hours we plan
You deserve mornings in peace
Not shaken midnight
Half-finished dreams
I know it's me
But I can’t be that man
Not yet
Not yet
You deserve better than this
[Bridge]
Maybe someday
We meet in a life where it’s easy
No one to break
No one to blame
I’d take your hand
Walk you straight through every season
Call your name
Call your name (oh)
[Chorus]
You deserve better than this
Better than waiting
Better than risk
Better than two hearts hiding under their hands
You deserve all of the light
Every loud joy
Every quiet night
I hope it’s me when I can be that man
But ‘til then
My friend
You deserve better than this

pop, Warm pop ballad with close-miked male vocals, intimate fingerpicked guitar and soft piano sharing the verses. Pre-chorus brings in gentle toms and rising strings, chorus blooms with lush string beds and stacked harmonies. Dynamic build from fragile confessional to soaring, cathartic hook, then back to a quiet, lingering outro., ballad